Bally’s Chicago marked a major construction milestone at its permanent casino site at 560 W. Grand Ave. with a topping-off ceremony celebrating the placement of the final structural beam. Once complete, the $1.7 billion development is expected to create approximately 3000 permanent jobs for the local community and is slated to open in spring 2027.

The event brought together Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Bally’s Executive Chairman Soo Kim, union leaders, and members of the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), alongside trades workers building the project. To date, more than 1000 tradespeople have worked on the project, reflecting Bally’s investment in Chicago labor and the workforce behind one of the city’s largest active developments.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional signing, lifting, and placement of the final beam, marking a key structural milestone and drawing project partners together on site overlooking the Chicago River and skyline. The moment offered one of the clearest visuals yet of Bally’s future presence along Chicago’s riverfront.

“This is a significant milestone for Bally’s Chicago and reflects the incredible effort of the union trades and partners who have made this moment possible. We’re proud of the progress to date and excited to move into the next phase as we deliver a one-of-a-kind destination for the people of Chicago,” said Soo Kim.

The $1.7 billion development is part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, which will be transformed into a riverfront destination reconnecting River West and the Near West Side to the Chicago River, improving public access, and activating the river’s edge.

Bally’s is also releasing new renderings showcasing key elements of the project’s interior design and guest experience. Bally’s Chicago has engaged WATG to lead the design of the casino interiors, shaping gaming, entertainment, and social spaces within the larger destination.

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will again host downtown Las Vegas’ biggest party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Plaza Hotel & Casino with lights on the outside Description automatically generatedMay 5, in and around its iconic Carousel Bar.

The Plaza’s Cinco de Mayo party is free to attend and will now feature Vegas’ popular DJ Exodus as the party’s entertainment. He will be spinning top radio hits with a mix of Latin music, all under the bright lights of the property’s iconic Main Street dome. DJ Exodus is known as one of the top resident DJs in Las Vegas playing at various venues as well as celebrity events.

The high-energy fiesta will also feature downtown’s largest piñata. Guests will be able to commemorate their fun by taking selfies inside the Plaza’s photo house that will include various festive props.

Fresh churros will be available for purchase from Churros 101 as well as street tacos and Mexican street corn salad (Esquites) from Fresh Mexican Grill.

Carousel Bar will offer holiday drink specials all night long, including Modelo Draft 16 oz ($11), Modelo Michelada ($14), Mi Campo Margarita ($14), Mi Campo Blanco Shot ($10), and Mi Campo Reposado Shot ($12).

Next to Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts will feature fun and delicious Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.

For more information visit: plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/cinco-de-mayo/.

A new research has revealed the stark reality behind a notable downturn in tourism to the renowned resort city, Las Vegas, with the number of visitors falling sharply compared to previous years.

The study, conducted by leading casino and sports betting community OLBG, shows that Vegas has seen a drop off of around 264,248 tourists on average per month – a decline of approximately 7.6%. It means over a quarter of a million fewer people are heading to the city each month marking one of the most significant slowdowns outside of pandemic years.

Post-Covid recovery stalling

Despite a steady period after the 2020 lockdown, Las Vegas saw consistent growth up until 2024. Recent OLBG data however shows a clear reversal with average monthly visitors falling from 3.47million to 3.21million. The city is now facing renewed pressure to maintain its global appeal.

The drop in tourism is reflected across key hotel metrics. Average room occupancy has declined to 80.4%, down from 84.4% the previous year – the lowest level in four years.

At the same time, the average daily room rate has fallen by nearly 10%, indicating that hotels are reducing prices to attract visitors. Revenue per available room has also dropped by 13% year-on-year, reaching its lowest level in over nine years outside of the pandemic.

Gaming revenue shows some resilience

Gaming revenue has seen a modest increase of 3.8% year-on-year, reaching a monthly average of $1.11 billion (inflation-adjusted). However, this follows a decline the previous year and remains below earlier peak levels.

While the sector is holding relatively steady, it is not enough to offset the wider decline in tourism and hospitality performance.

The data also reflects broader changes in consumer behaviour. The continued growth of online gambling, combined with more value-driven travel decisions, is reshaping the global gambling landscape.

Shift toward lower-cost destinations

Rising travel costs and changing consumer priorities appear to be driving a shift toward more affordable gambling destinations. Travellers are increasingly seeking locations that offer similar entertainment experiences at a lower overall cost.

Destinations such as Atlantic City and Biloxi in the US, alongside European cities like Prague and Budapest, are gaining traction due to cheaper accommodation, lower travel costs, and competitive casino offerings. International resort destinations, including Sun City in South Africa, are also emerging as cost-effective alternatives.

This growing competition is putting pressure on Las Vegas, particularly among price-sensitive travellers.

An OLBG spokesperson said: “Las Vegas has been the benchmark for global gambling tourism, but latest figures suggest its dominance is being tested. Continued rising costs in terms of travel and accommodation, plus spending in the city, means many players are more selective on destinations.

“Destinations that offer similar casino experiences but at lower prices are becoming more popular – whether that’s still in the US in Atlantic City and Biloxi or across Europe in cities such as Prague and Budapest. Value is becoming the key driver for tourists’ decision-making.

“However, continued growth of online gambling is giving players more flexibility than they’ve ever had. In some cases, this reduces the need to travel altogether whilst others choose short, cost-effective trips with digital play.

“Sin City isn’t going anywhere, though. It remains a world class destination but it’s operating in a much more competitive global market compared to previous years.”